EASTERN DRC NOTES - JANUARY 9

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000028

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG
SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - JANUARY 9


1. (U) The items contained in this report consist principally of
spot information from various sources. This report is not
exhaustive, nor can all the information contained therein be
confirmed at this time.


CNDP Internal Discord
--------------


2. (SBU) The CNDP released a communique on January 8, conforming to
the traditional style and format and signed by spokesperson Bertrand
Bisimwa, which refuted Bosco's claims that he had taken over the
CNDP. It stated that the CNDP remained unified and that any attempt
to take over the movement was a grave offense. It noted that
Bosco's announcement (though he is not mentioned by name in the
document) followed a meeting of the CNDP high command to address
issues such as the overall functioning of the CNDP's armed force and
security for the people living in CNDP controlled zones. The text
underlined that Bosco and his "accomplice" (presumably Bosco's
spokesperson, Desire Kamanzi) will face charges and that the CNDP's
internal discipline committee will levy appropriate sanctions.


3. (SBU) The text of the communique affirmed the legitimacy of the
negotiating team in Nairobi, but Bosco's spokesperson declared to
the press on January 8, that his group did not recognize the team in
Nairobi as legitimate. He also "invited" Nkunda to accept his
ouster and cooperate with the new leadership of the CNDP.
Separately, MONUC reported that Obasanjo will meet Nkunda today in
Bunagana.


4. (SBU) Amongst post's interlocutors, there continues to be
notable differences as to the severity of the split within the CNDP
and who is actually in charge. A senior OCHA official told us on
January 8 that Nkunda remains in firm control of the CNDP and that
the problem between Bosco and Nkunda relates to disputes over money,
resources, and inter-clan/family rivalries; she also did not
discount the possibility that Nkunda had planned to turn Bosco over
to MONUC. A prominent leader of Banyamulenge civil society in
Kinshasa told us on January 9, by contrast, that Nkunda would never
hand over Bosco and inferred that this dispute could pose a serious
challenge to the coherence of the CNDP (septel). He did second,
however, the analysis that this discord is not ideological in
nature, but is rather connected to personal problems between Nkunda
and Bosco and local clan/family rivalries.


Security Situation in the Kivus
--------------


5. (SBU) MONUC reported that five child soldiers escaped from the
CNDP on January 8 and also that the latter handed over to MONUC
three child soldiers who allegedly had been with PARECO. In
addition, FDLR fighters stopped a group of Mai-Mai combatants who
were engaged in looting at Nyalima. MONUC continues to reinforce
Ishasha and plans to establish a Company Operating Base there.

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